Pimples on the body: why they appear & how to treat them!

Have you ever wondered why pimples appear on your body? This phenomenon can be annoying and sometimes even painful.

In fact, it is a fact that acne on our body is more persistent and more difficult to treat than acne on the face. It is estimated that 10% of people will get body acne at some stage in their life!

Why do I get pimples on my body?

There are many factors that can lead to the appearance of red itchy pimples on the body. For example:

1. Heredity

If one of your parents developed acne, you may also be prone to acne.

Although there is no acne gene, scientists agree that you may have inherited an underlying health condition or biological trait that makes acne more likely.

2. Hormonal changes

Androgens are hormones associated with reproduction, including testosterone, and are present in all sexes. When out of balance, androgens can cause skin changes that contribute to acne, such as:

• Increased sebum production
• Changes in cell activity
• Inflammation

This imbalance occurs frequently in either gender during adolescence. But hormonal fluctuations can cause acne at any age.

3. Stress

There are different causes by which stress affects the appearance of acne:

• It causes breakouts
• It worsens existing acne
• It slows down the healing process

4. Allergy

There is a possibility that pimples due to allergy will appear on our body. In addition to pimples, you may experience itching on the body or rashes.

If you suspect that you have experienced this, you should contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pimples on the body from stress

Stress works in the following ways:

• It causes the release of cytokines, small proteins that activate sebaceous gland receptors and trigger inflammation.
• It affects the proper functioning of the immune system and makes it more difficult for our body to fight the bacteria that cause acne.
• It increases androgens, which are hormones that lead to inflammation and overproduction of sebum.

In addition, factors such as sweat, tight clothing and lifestyle (smoking, diet, insufficient sleep) can also contribute to the development of acne.

Where do they appear?

They usually appear in areas with a large number of sebaceous glands, such as:

• Back
• Bosom
• Hands
• Shoulders
• Buttocks

The back is one of the most common places where acne occurs (after the face). Experts believe that acne on the back and shoulders (also known as “bacne”) is mainly associated with sports activities, which cause increased sweating and friction from sports equipment and clothing.

How to treat them

The treatment includes the use of special products or even specialized treatment, depending on each case. This may include:

• Use of cream or scrub

There are products specifically designed for body acne that are non-pore-clogging and non-edible. These contain salicylic acid and benzene peroxide to provide mild acne relief.

• Education given by a doctor

If you want to receive a more thorough advice, a visit to a dermatologist is essential. Your doctor will recommend the appropriate treatment.

• Topical treatments, for use on pimples

This can happen with the use of retinoids, benzene peroxide and products with salicylic acid.

• Natural or alternative treatments

You are likely to find natural remedies as well as alternatives to fight acne. For example, in recent years the use of phototherapy has been very widespread.

Extra Tips

The following tips are for a more general, more holistic approach to treating acne on the body.

• Reduce your intake of foods high in fat and sugar.
• Avoid excessive sweat and keep your skin clean and dry.
• Regularly wash the areas where pimples appear with mild cleansers.
• Wear clothes made of materials that allow the skin to breathe. For example, cotton is the perfect choice!
• Follow a healthy diet as a way of life.
• Do not pop/touch the pimples.
• Wash your sheets 1-2 times/week.
• Avoid using backpacks.
• Use sunscreen with a high sun protection factor.

Products for body pimples

The following products will help you get rid of body acne!

La Roche Posay Effaclar M Purifying Foaming Gel 400 ml

This cleansing gel can be used even for sensitive oily skin and is suitable from the age of 10! Ideal for face and body.

Clinical research on 63 people, after 1 month: 98% of participants say that gently cleanses the skin and 100% gently cleanses.

Contains in its composition:

• Phylobioma, corrects imperfections and restores balance.
• Zinc PCA, which reduces sebum and cleanses the skin.
• Thermal water, with anti-irritant action.

Synchroline Αknicare Chest & Back Spray 100 ml

If you prefer a product in spray form, Aknicare is what you need! It is ideal for use on the chest and back and has proven action.

Caution: It should not be applied to the face. In addition, it is important to remember that it should not be used for more than 12 weeks.

It is a sebum-regulating lotion, ideal for oily-acne skin. Contains salicylic acid, aloe vera, eucalyptus and tea tree oil, azelaic acid and nicotinamide, ingredients known for their antimicrobial and moisturizing properties.

Apply topically with a cotton pad without rinsing to the face, back and chest, once or twice a day. Suitable for use by teenagers and adults.

Youth Lab Blemish Shower Gel 400 ml

A foaming cleansing gel, for body with acne. It is ideal for treating teenage or adult acne.

It contains an antimicrobial complex of polysaccharides (from rhamnose, glucose and glucuronic acid), which protects the skin from the adhesion of bacteria. In addition, it regulates oiliness as it contains the bio-technological, antimicrobial complex Undecylenoyl Glycine.

It has a vegan formula and non-comedogenic. It can be used to control and prevent acne breakouts on the back, chest and arms. Additionally, it has a pleasant grapefruit scent.

Froika AC AHA-10 Emulsion 125 ml

Rejuvenating emulsion that can be used on the face and body to improve the appearance of scars and acne scars. Its composition reduces freckles and black spots and turns the skin into a matte and healthy look. In addition, it reduces blemishes and discolorations.

Contains AHAs to activate the natural cell renewal process.

Conclusion

There are many products and treatments that can help treat acne on the body. With the right attention and care, you can reduce the appearance of imperfections on the body and maintain healthy, glowing skin.